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Golden Visa & investor routes

UAE Golden Visa for Outstanding Students

A long-term Golden visa awarded to high-achieving students and graduates in the UAE and abroad.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The specific grade thresholds and visa term for outstanding students are set by the authorities and change; verify the current academic criteria and duration on the official portal.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official United Arab Emirates government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Golden visa - outstanding students and graduates
Route type
Long-term talent residence visa
Basis
Academic excellence criteria
Validity (high-school students)
5 years
Without a sponsor
Validity (university students / graduates)
10 years
Without a sponsor
Sponsorship
Self-sponsored - no sponsor required

Who it is for

  • Outstanding secondary-school students meeting the required grades
  • High-achieving university students and graduates

What you can do

  • Reside in the UAE long-term under self-sponsorship
  • Continue studies or transition to work without an employer sponsor

How to apply

Nominations and applications are processed through ICP and GDRFA channels against the published academic-excellence criteria.

Requirements

  • Outstanding high-school students: national-level top achievers with a minimum grade of 95% in a public or private secondary school, plus a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (5-year Golden visa)
  • Outstanding UAE university students: the university must be rated A or B class by the Ministry of Education, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 (A-class) or 3.8 (B-class), supported by a recommendation letter, accredited graduation certificate or accredited academic record (10-year Golden visa)
  • Outstanding graduates of foreign universities: the university must be among the world's best 100 (per the rating system recognised by the Ministry of Education), with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, and no more than 2 years since graduation (10-year Golden visa)

Frequently asked questions

  • For UAE universities, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 is required for A-class universities and 3.8 for B-class universities. For foreign universities ranked in the world's top 100, a GPA of at least 3.5 is required within two years of graduation.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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